The Las Vegas Raiders will soon add young talent to their roster through the 2024 NFL Draft.
The draft process is long and complicated. Teams must evaluate the player on the field and the person off it. Now that the Shrine and Senior Bowls are over, the next event is the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Raiders are beginning a new era in Las Vegas with Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco at the helm. Raiders fans are hoping these two will bring championships back to Las Vegas.
One player who could help them get there is Oregon defensive end Brandon Dorlus. A two-time First-Team All-Pac 12 member, Dorlus is one of the most athletic edge rushers in the draft class.
Dorlus finished his Ducks career with 108 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14 passes defended, and 12 sacks. He had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Not only is Dorlus extremely athletic, but he is also incredibly versatile. He can line up at both defensive end and on the interior and is an effective rusher in all areas. He stands at a massive 6-foot-3 and weighs 272 pounds.
Dorlus landed on The Athletic writer Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List,’ a compilation of the most athletic players in college football. He puts that athleticism to use when rushing the passer, too. He converts speed-to-power well and pushes offensive linemen back into the quarterback’s lap.
Dorlus also has a high motor that should allow him to be a three-down player at the next level. He explodes off the snap and immediately gets his long arms into his match-up. He has a few pass-rush moves that, combined with his athleticism, are tough to stop.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dorlus generated 46 total pressures in 2023. He played most of his snaps lined up in the B-gap and a good share of snaps on the outside. He projects as a player who can do both at the next level.
While he is athletic, Dorlus is an inconsistent tackler. He must improve against the run to be a three-down player in the NFL.
Dorlus is projected to be a second-round selection. If the Raiders are looking for a defensive lineman with athleticism and versatility, Dorlus could be a good fit on day two.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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